Mathieu Nozieres art – Circle Foundation for the Arts

What themes does your work involve?

The subjects often present protagonists accompanied by a horse or a bird, symbol of a certain strength and freedom that each of us tries to reach. Each painting brings together many opposing forces that can battle in us: Lightness and heaviness, impulse and restraint, fast and slow, active and passive, ephemeral and permanent. Nature is also present in my compositions, reminding us of where we come from and ultimately where we will return.

Describe your creative process.

A new series is generally associated with a new reflection on a certain question. The process is like a puzzle, each painting contributing to the final answer. Technically speaking I work in a traditional way: First a drawing and then a painting. A work is finished when what I add damages the image instead of embellishing it. Time to stop!

What influences your work? What inspires you? Why do you make art?

My work is influenced by both French masters E. Delacroix and T. Géricault. The power of their work often stimulates my own resources. The more I learn to paint, the more I learn to live. And vice versa. This close bond that I feel between painting and life is probably the reason why I make art.

What is good art? What makes a piece of art great?

It is hard to define what is good or bad in art and in life in general. I guess that as long as the artist strives to make this world a more egalitarian, empathetic and peaceful place that’s fine. We should not forget that art is here to help at least one person, the artist himself or the viewer. If this is achieved I guess it can be considered a useful piece of art, which is great!

What is the role of the artist today?

From my point of view: The role of an artist, whether of today or yesterday, is probably the same as for any other human being: To evolve and develop his/her full potential. By doing this our practice (whatever the field) could be elevated to the rank of Art. Each human being has the responsibility of an artist and each artist has the responsibility of a human being.